Facebook Messenger’s new “instant video” feature explained

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Facebook Messenger adds "Instant Video."(Image Credit: Facebook)

Facebook Messenger’s new “instant video” feature explained

Facebook Messenger adds "Instant Video."(Image Credit: Facebook)

Facebook is offering a new “instant video” feature through its Messenger app.

The new tool will let users send each other videos, plus photos, gifs and written messages while texting in the app.

As CBS News notes, this is “different from video calls, which have been available in Messenger since 2015. The instant video feature is for those times when you don’t necessarily want to make a full-fledged video call, but want to share a moment captured on camera.”

“It’s perfect for sharing quick moments with friends who aren’t right by your side or making your conversations richer by seeing each other face-to-face when you are messaging,” Facebook said in its blog post describing the feature.

The new feature works for both Apple iOS devices and Android.

To send instant video, both you and the recipient have to have the Messenger app open. Just tap the video icon to get started sharing. When your friend sees the video they can reply with video, or text.